FY26 Application Cycle is closed - thank you for your interest!
Who is Eligible to Apply?
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Local governments including Special Districts and Political Subdivisions
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Tribal governments
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Municipalities
Private applicants are generally not eligible unless proof of the project’s public benefit is demonstrated and the applicant partners with a public fiscal agent.
Project Goals and Objectives:
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Increase visitation
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Improve or enhance the visitor and resident experience
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Spur economic growth and capacity opportunities for residents
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Increase national and global recognition of New Mexico as a sustainable tourism destination
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Increase positive impacts on the local environment while decreasing negative impacts
What Types of Projects are Considered?
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Development of outdoor recreation infrastructure
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Recreational improvements
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Signage and wayfinding that align with community branding and marketing
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Tourism related parking and transportation
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Tourism attraction facilities
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Dark skies viewing area
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Re-development of historic assets
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Rehabilitation, maintenance, and conservation of cultural sites/indigenous sites/archeological sites
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Bike, pedestrian, and equestrian transportation and other related developments
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Camping and RV related accommodations
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Beautification and conservation for tourism purposes
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Fairgrounds, convention center/facilities, performance venues, and other event spaces
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Public art on tourism infrastructure
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Agritourism farms, food trails or other related facilities
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Innovative redevelopments leveraging technology to showcase authentic New Mexican culture and nature if applicable
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Visitor information centers and their improvements
For a complete list refer to the FY26 Destination Forward Grant Guidelines
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The application cycle is closed - thank you for your interest!
The Destination Forward application will be available via Submittable. For browser compatibility:
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FY26 Destination Forward Grant Application Webinar
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FY24 Partners:
City of Bayard 890 Union Hall Museum, $50,000
City of Farmington Gateway Park Market Pavilion, $500,000
City of Grants Multipurpose Arena Grandstands, $384,000
City of Roswell Wayfinding and Gateway Signs, $100,000
Curry County LED Display for Events Center, $380,000
McKinley County Red Rock Park RV Campground, $100,000
Sandoval County El Zocalo Plaza, $50,000
Northwest Council of Governments Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, $100,000
Village of Fort Sumner Old Fort Museum and Cemetery, $215,471
FY25 Partners:
City of Albuquerque Route 66 Neon East Gateway Sign, $328,800
City of Albuquerque Expanding Interactivity on Route 66, $200,000
City of Albuquerque Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Theater, $50,000
City of Carlsbad Museum Achieve and Collections Annex, $500,000
City of Clovis Hillcrest Zoo Wayfinding, $17,000
Town of Mesilla Calle de Santiago Parking Lot, $150,000
City of Raton Convention Center Elevator, $121,718.02
Town of Red River Conference & Visitor Center Snow Melt System, $39,769.06
City of Santa Fe Feasibility Study for Open Air Performing Arts Center, $40,000
City of Socorro RV Park Improvements, $220,000
Taos County Historic Courthouse Restoration Project & Visitors Center, $500,000